Abstract:
In a controlled, randomized double-blind study, 51 patients with androgenetic alopecia and increased hairloss (telogen rate greater than 20%) were treated by local application of hair lotions with and without 17 alpha-estradiol (0.025%) for a period of at least 6 months. Before and after therapy trichograms were taken and evaluated under standardized conditions. In 63% of the treated patients a reduction of the amount of telogen hairs appeared, whereas in the control group the same reduction was found in only 37% of the cases. Similarly, in the treated group only 11% of the patients worsened, in contrast to 50% of the control group who showed an increased telogen rate (greater than 10%). The amount of growing anagen hairs and of seborrhea did not change significantly in both groups. Side effects were not seen. These findings indicate that hair lotions containing 17 alpha-estradiol may have a therapeutic value in reducing androgenetic hairloss, if applied topically for a long period of time, similar to 17 beta-estradiol. However, no regrowth of new hair was found.
Author:
Orfanos CE; Vogels L
Source:
Dermatologica, 161: 2, 1980, 124-32
Language:
German
Unique Identifier:
80246878
